WATCH: Governor Reynolds signs AEA reform bill

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - On Wednesday, Governor Reynolds signed the Area Education Agency reform bill that passed in the Senate on Tuesday.

The amendment increases salaries for beginning teachers. This year, it would raise the new teacher’s minimum salary to $47,500 and for veteran teachers with 12 years of experience increase to $60,000. Next year, starting teacher pay would increase to $50,000 and 12-year veterans would make a minimum of $62,000.

The amendment includes $14 million in funding for education support personnel such as paraprofessionals.

The amendment brings changes to multiple aspects of Area Education Agency, or AEA, funding.

For special education, there is no change from the current model for the upcoming school year. School districts would be required to use AEAs for all special ed funds. Next year, special ed funds would be sent to districts, who must send 90% of that funding to AEAs. The remaining 10% can be kept within the district if they choose to do so.

For media and education services funds, districts would get more flexibility immediately. AEAs would get 40% of these funds while the district can use the remaining 60% at their discretion. For the 2025-2026 school year, districts get 100% control of the funds.

You can watch the Governor sign the bill below:

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